FIRST Robotics Competition
Rated Expert, A team robotics competition in which students build and program an industrial-sized robot for an annual game and three-team alliance matches. For ages 14-18 (grades 9-12) through a registered team with adult mentors; teams also plan for equipment, workspace, travel and events. Teams integrate mechanical, electrical and software systems with testing, strategy, fundraising, outreach and judged awards across a long season.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Expert Level
6 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
14–18
School level
Grades 9-12 / ages 14-18
Registration method
School or Individual
Competition stages
Game release, robot build, district or regional events, and possible championship qualification
Fee
$6,500 for a newly formed 2026-2027 team; other costs may apply
Online / in-person
In-person
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
Not yet announced by the organiser
Registration closes
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition starts
9 Jan 2027
Competition ends
Not yet announced by the organiser
Editorial perspective
Our Take
FIRST Robotics Competition is a mentor-supported high-school engineering program built around industrial-sized robots and an annual game. It offers unusually broad student roles: a team can need mechanical design, electrical work, software, strategy, project management, fundraising, outreach and communication at the same time. FRC teams work through an annual cycle of fundraising, outreach, robot development and competition. That breadth is the programme's greatest educational strength and its main burden. A student can find a meaningful place without being the strongest programmer, but a sustainable team needs committed adults, substantial resources and careful organisation. Families should evaluate the health of the local team as seriously as the global competition.
Read full guide →Source information
Related competitions
Writing & Communication · Expert Level
John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2026
View competition →Writing & Communication · Expert Level
ESU International Public Speaking Competition
View competition →Humanities & Society · Expert Level